The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA), in partnership with the Commander’s Family of Restaurants and the Greater New Orleans Foundation, has activated the Hurricane Harvey Hospitality Employee Relief Fund (HERF). The LRA uses its influence to help direct charitable contributions through its national and state restaurant association network and the nation’s restaurant industry. Harvey’s extensive rainfall and flooding, which has surpassed that of Hurricane Katrina, has made the LRA a go-to resource for recovery efforts following weather-related events such as Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and most recently, the August 2016 flooding in Baton Rouge.

“Our restaurant community immediately rallies to answer the call of those in need,” said Stan Harris, LRA President & CEO. “Unfortunately, our challenges with weather-related events have provided us the experience to aid those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Helping direct money to get hospitality employees back on their feet and to work is critical for Houston’s recovery.”

Criteria is being established to award individual grants and the HERF will donate to restaurant and hotel workers who are in a position of hardship during the recovery period. The partnership will work with the Texas Restaurant Association to help award grants through its Greater Houston Restaurant Association.

“After Hurricane Katrina, the Houston community was there for New Orleans and we'll never forget it. Alex Brennan Martin, along with the LRA, started the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Disaster Relief Fund and it raised and distributed more than $1 million in small grants to help individuals in New Orleans. Today, we are returning the favor,” shared Ti Martin of Commander’s Family of Restaurants.

If you, or an organization you know, is looking to support our industry, please visit www.gnof.org/give-now/ and specify your donation is for the "Hurricane Harvey Hospitality Employee Relief Fund." If the donor prefers to send a check, please make it payable to the Greater New Orleans Foundation and mail it to 919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130.